In light of four young athletes attempting suicide in Kerala, and one of them being successful, a 'rattled' Ministry of Youth and Sports is now planning to request icons in each sport to mentor aspiring sportspersons, while at the same time taking steps to revamp Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres across the country.
The ministry said iconic sportspersons would act as 'trainee mentors' to young athletes.
In Kerala, the girls who attempted suicide were suspected to have consumed the fruit, called 'Othalanga' locally, inside the SAI centre. They were rushed to a hospital after fainting and were later taken to the Alapuzha Medical College. Relatives alleged that the girls were being physically and mentally tortured by some seniors.
Speaking on behalf of Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Skills Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the appointment of iconic sportsperson as mentors would not only inspire young athletes, but also provide them with an opportunity to emulate the qualities of their respective role models.